M. Somers

Deliverance, 18 Jan 2007

When the topic of discussion turns to heavy metal, it often seems to be the case that I choose, or rather am forced to take the sidelines, being someone that could never be described as a 'metal fan.' How is it then, that bands such as Cult of Luna and their avuncular forebearers Isis take such pride of place in my music collection?

As far as I can see, and a point always brought up when my aversion to metal music is questioned, is that the heaviness in this particular genre of post-metal is there not just for the sake of appealing to an audience, or to tempt one to throw a couple of horns in the air, but to embody emotion in all its undiluted, crushing reality… Read more

Clearly, or darkly?, 3 Dec 2006

A Scanner Darkly was my first Phillip K. Dick novel, and was a surprisingly difficult read. Difficult not just to get a fix on his writing style but to get my head around what Dick was trying to say. In the end though, it was worth it, being one of those experiences where the moment the last page turns, the realisation comes of how profoundly brilliant and unexpected the entire thing has been.

The film strays very little from the book; in fact, `straying' is the wrong word, as Linklater has really gone all out to be faithful to the original story here, with an obvious and unflagging respect. In the name of continuity one can appreciate that some changes were necessary, for… Read more

The pheasant has no agenda, 3 Feb 2006

It's hard to believe that the Cosmic Jam show featured in this DVD set is actually a decade old. Being Bill's first ever live performance, we can witness the makings of a man who would soon undoubtedly become one of Britain's finest stand-up acts.
He slots right into the flow of things despite his initial nerves (if you can call it that), and whether he's hammering at a keyboard, turning his hands into an animal puppet role-play, or going off on a random tangent about weasels that must leave the audience frightened and confused, he always exudes the aura of a born, natural performer.

The second disc contains a more recent gig 'Bewilderness', which is… Read more